Tinubu Slams ADC as “Coalition of Confusion,” Urges APC Governors to Ease Hardship

On Thursday, July 24, 2025, President Bola Tinubu, speaking at the 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, dismissed the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition as a “coalition of confusion,” suggesting that defectors like Governors Sheriff Oborevwori and Umo Eno were wisely abandoning a “sinking ship.” The ADC, backed by figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Mr. Peter Obi, responded sharply, with Interim Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi accusing the APC of intolerance and unease over the ADC’s rising influence, claiming it challenges the APC’s unchecked power. Atiku, via his Media Adviser Mr. Paul Ibe, urged Tinubu to focus on fixing Nigeria’s economy and resolving tensions with Vice President Kashim Shettima, alleging the presidency is orchestrating divisions within the ADC that have since been mended. The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), through National Secretary Chief Peter Ameh, called Tinubu’s remarks a sign of fear of losing the 2027 elections, downplaying APC defections as politically insignificant.

At the NEC meeting, Tinubu announced Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, a 56-year-old academic and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs from Plateau State, as the new APC National Chairman, succeeding Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, whose resignation followed internal party tensions. Tinubu praised Ganduje’s establishment of a progressive institute and tasked Yilwatda with revitalizing it. The NEC, moved by Imo Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma and seconded by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, also reassigned Prof. AbdulKarim Kana as Deputy National Secretary and appointed Mr. Murtala as National Legal Adviser, extending ward and local government executive tenures to December 31, 2025. Tinubu urged APC’s 23 governors to intensify grassroots efforts to reduce rural hardship, enhance security—claiming thousands of terrorists and bandits neutralized—and boost food sovereignty. He welcomed defectors Oborevwori and Eno, congratulated Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo on his Supreme Court victory, and announced plans for a new APC secretariat in the FCT. Yilwatda, confident of a 2027 victory, pledged inclusive leadership, while former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo honored the late Muhammadu Buhari for his integrity and commitment to the rule of law.